Summertime learning

In fact, University of Illinois Extension believes girls that age should be learning about career opportunities.

To that end, local Extension office staff organized the inaugural Explorer Camp, which was held Thursday and today at Illinois College. The camp, which was open to all seventh-grade girls in west-central Illinois, was designed to enhance the girls’ knowledge of the wide array of careers available, particularly in the fields of science, art and health.

“One of the biggest pushes of the 4-H program is for girls to become more educated in the science fields,” said April Littig, the 4-H youth development educator for Extension in Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan and Scott counties. “I wanted to go beyond that and give them a taste for the many careers available.”

Laura Cannon of Jacksonville said she was interested in hearing from guest speakers at the camp. “The guest speakers we’ve heard were really positive,” she said. “They made you think about things, such as yourself, that you don’t normally think about.”

Autumn Blackburn of Meredosia said the camp was a good experience for girls in 4-H. “In 4-H, I like it that I can work with animals and other kids. This camp is really cool.”

Hannah Pool of Jacksonville agreed with Autumn’s assessment of Explorer Camp. “I’ve been to different summer camps, but this camp is more fun than the others I’ve been to.”

Littig coordinated Explorer Camp, which was partially funded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The camp’s instructors were Illinois College faculty members, a Jacksonville artist, a Springfield photographer and a Winchester graphic designer.

Jacksonville artist Allison Pratt was excited to help with the camp. “I always love meeting kids that maybe I can encourage and inspire to follow a passion they have,” she said.

The girls each paid $30 for the opportunity to participate in eight hands-on learning sessions, which included chemistry, DNA, healthy living, photography/graphic design, biology, art and physics.

“I think it’s important for the girls to get that hands-on learning experience to show them that there are so many career options out there that could be part of their future with hard work and determination,” Littig said. “Four-H programs like this can provide life-changing experiences that can lead a youth into a future career.”